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ADDRESS 


TO THE MEMBERS OF THE 


AMERICAN ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY 

PRONOUNCED IN 

KING’S CHAPEL, BOSTON, 


t 


CH 

THEIR third anniversary, 

October 23, 1815, 


BY WILLIAM PAINE, M. D. 

•a 7 

Atc’.iRs of the Royal College of Phyficians in London, A.A.S. M.M*S» and c r 

the American Antiquarian Society, 

4 » 


L ii 


WORCESTER , (Mass.) 
PRINTED BY WILLIAM MANNING, 

1815, 


ETtqg 

• Aw 


AT a meeting of the American Antiquarian Society at 
the Exchange Coffee-House, in Boston, October 23, 1815— 

Voted , That the President, Rev. Dr. Bancroft, and the 
Hon. Edward Bangs, be a Committee to express the thanks 
of this Society to Dr. William Paine, for his Address this 
day delivered, and to request a copy for publication. 


Dear Sir, 

We the underwritten, in pursuance of the above vote* 
present you the thanks of the Society, for your appropriate 
and interesting Address delivered to them at their last an- 
nual meeting, and request a copy for the press. 

With sentiments of esteem and respect, 


William Paine, M, D. 

Gentlemen, 

The request of the Society, so politely communicated 
through you, I cheerfully accede to. Indeed, I do not feel 
myself at liberty to refuse a copy of my Address. Accept it, 
with all its imperfections, as the production of a member sin- 
cerely devoted to the Institution. 

I am, with respect and esteem, 


Worcester , October 27, 1815. 


We are, See. 


ISAIAH THOMAS, 
AARON BANCROFT, 
EDWARD BANGS. 


Your obliged humble servant 


WILLIAM PAINE. 



i 


ADDRESS. 


AS the descendants of the Pilgrims, we meet, 
with peculiar propriety, in this house, dedicated to 
the worship of God. The solemn prayers in which 
we have joined, and the impressive lessons read from 
the Bible, are calculated to establish on our minds 
a sense of our religious duties, which will not, I 
trust, be easily obliterated. Besides, to excite our 
feeling, the tomb of Johnson is near us. John- 
son, respectable for his talents, and prominent for his 
wealth, was amongst the early emigrants, and was 
justly esteemed for his piety and wisdom. With 
respect to New England, he was an enthusiast. On 
his death bed, he rejoiced that he had lived to see a 
church of Christ gathered in America. He was 
the idol of the people ; for they ordered that their 
bodies, as they died, should be buried around his ; 
and this was the reason of appropriating, for a place 
of burial, the ground adjoining this Chapel, which 
was his domain. Surely he must have been a man of 
most extraordinary address and suavity of manners, 
to have enabled him to gain, and retain whilst he 
lived, the entire good will of the people. His wife, 
the lady Arabella, was in the dawn of life, with all 


4 * 


its fragrance round her, when she left, says Purchas, 
a paradise of plenty and pleasure, in the family of 
her father, the Earl of Lincoln, and dared a wilder- 
ness of wants ; and, though supported by great for- 
titude, she was unable to resist their pressure, or 
surmount the difficulties she was surrounded with, 
and died at Salem, soon after her arrival. What 
feelings, what reflections, does this object tend to 
excite ! I could wish to retain all the sensations I 
now experience, and to treasure up, amidst these 
scenes, something of that melancholy feeling which 
enchants me ! Yes, I love to retire back to past 
ages. 

o 

This is our third anniversary. It is unnecessa- 
ry-— it would be superfluous — at this time, to give 
the origin, and recapitulate the objects of this Soci- 
ety. They were declared in the Preamble to the 
Act of Incorporation ; they have been fully stated 
in the luminous Communication of our President, 
and clearly and ably detailed in the first and second 
Address delivered before you. This ground has 
been already gleaned, and I find it difficult to gath- 
er a straw for my sheaf. But with satisfaction I 
am able to congratulate you upon the general suc- 
cess of the Institution. Since our last meeting, we 
requested, and have obtained, from the Government 
of the United States, and from the Government of 
this Commonwealth, copies of their Journals and 
Publick Documents, which have been received by 
our President, for the use of the Society. Their 
ready compliance is peculiarly gratifying, and in- 
duces us to cherish the expectation that we shall 


be deemed worthy of their future patronage. We 
have likewise had many respectable names added 
to the column of our members ; many books to our 
Library, and articles to our Museum. The pres- 
ent state of the Institution may satisfy its members, 
that it is permanently - established ; that it is des- 
tined to be useful, and will have the countenance 
of the genuine lovers of history and literature. 
The only check to the rapid success of the Society, 
is our poverty. We want a house, and a perma- 
nent fund for the support of our Librarian and Cab- 
inet Keeper. How to obtain that house and this 
fund, I know not. 

I wish it to be distinctly understood, that the 
American Antiquarian Society is founded on the 
most liberal principles — is of no sect or party — - 
has no local views — it embraces the continent. It 
solicits, and would gratefully receive, communica- 
tions from every part of the world, which have a 
tendency to elucidate the events of past ages, or ex- 
cite a spirit of research for information which would 
be conducive to the happiness of the present or 
subsequent age. It is to be wished, that every 
member of this Society would endeavour, by the 
most active exertions, to add something to the 
common stock of antiquarian literature ; and may 
we, my respectable associates, never lose sight of 
the truly valuable purposes of our Institution. I 
wish, particularly, to urge the propriety, nay, the 
necessity, of procuring and preserving every antient 
manuscript and book of importance. And for this 
reason— that no one thing can so faithfully paint 


t 


6 

the state of society, as such documents ; for the dia- 
lect and orthography of languages are continually 
fluctuating* 

Having made these introductory remarks, you 
will have the goodness to indulge me in an address, 
diffusive, but not foreign to the objects of the 
Society. 

I presume not to instruct, but I wish to remind 
you, in a summary manner, of the state of Europe at 
the discovery of America by Columbus; to point 
out the pleasures and advantages which result from 
the study of history ; and notice the first European 
colony in New-England. 

It has been observed by the historians of the fif- 
teenth century, that, during that period, mankind 
made greater progress in exploring the state of the 
habitable world, than in all the ages which had then 
elapsed. At this time, the revival of letters, the 
reformation in religion, and the revolution in the 
modes of learning and philosophy, gave mankind a 
higher sense of their importance. In almost every 
part of Europe, efforts were then making for the 
establishment of civil and religious liberty. Cir- 
cumstances like these, taking place at that period, 
concurred to render the discovery of America an 
illustrious epoch in the history of the world. Dur- 
ing the last seven years of that century, a New 
World was discovered in the West. In the East, 
unknown seas and countries were found out, and a 
communication, long desired, but hitherto con- 
cealed, was opened, by doubling the Cape of Good 


7 


Hope between Europe and India. In comparison 
with events so wonderful and unexpected, all that 
had been before deemed great or splendid, faded 
and disappeared. This discovery awakened curi- 
osity, and enlarged the ideas and desires of men. 
Vast objects now presented themselves. The hu- 
man mind, excited and interested by the prospect, 
engaged with ardour in pursuit of them, and ex- 
erted its active powers in a new direction; the 
spirit of enterprize began to operate extensively, 
and many were ready to test the truth of a probable 
theory by the most dauntless experiments. 

By the universal consent of nations, this new 
quarter of the world has been called America. The 
bold pretensions of a fortunate impostor robbed 
Columbus of a distinction that belonged to him. 
The name of Amerigo has supplanted that of Co- 
lumbus. It is now too late to redress this act of 
injustice — it has received the sanction of Time. 

It is a very singular fact, that the three great Eu- 
ropean powers which formerly possessed almost all 
the New World, were indebted for the discovery 
of their American possessions to Italians : — Spain 
to Columbus, aGenoese; France to Veeazzano, 
a Florentine ; England to the Cabots, Venetians. 
The Italians at that period, in point of maritime 
knowledge and extensive experience in navigation, 
were unquestionably very superiour to the rest of 
Europe. Of the descendants of Columbus and 
Verazzano I am ignorant; but the name of 
Cabot is still heard amongst us. To me, it was 
ever dear! and one of his descendants still exists, 


8 


who has been as active in saving, as his ancestors 
were in discovering a country. 

The character of Columbus has been handed 
down to us in a manner well calculated to arrest 
our attention, and excite our admiration. Few 
men have distinguished themselves by greater ar- 
dour and perseverance. Possessed of a vigorous 
mind, he was indefatigable in his pursuits. His 
life has frequently been written ; yet I have thought 
the following concise biographical notice of him 
not out of place. 

He is represented as grave, though courteous in 
his deportment, circumspect in his words and ac- 
tions, irreproachable in his morals, and exemplary 
in his attention to all the duties and functions of 
religion. He joined to the ardent temper and in- 
ventive genius of a projector, virtues of another 
species, which are rarely united with them. He 
possessed a thorough knowledge of mankind, an in- 
sinuating address, a patient perseverance in execut- 
ing any plan, the most perfect government of his 
own passions, and a talent of acquiring ascendancy 
over other men. All these qualities, which formed 
him for command, were accompanied with that su- 
periour knowledge of his profession, which begets 
confidence in times of danger and difficulty. After 
much thought and great study, he matured his 
plan, which resulted from diligent inquiry and pa- 
tient comparison ; and being well convinced of its 
practicability, his enthusiasm was not to be cooled 
by delay, or damped by disappointment. Any man 


9 


of less ardour would have abandoned his plan ; for 
his discouragements were various and repeated. 

But the brave and virtuous conquer difficulties 
by daring to oppose them ; and riatitre seems to 
have given him that elasticity of mind which rises 
higher at the rebound. Twenty years was this 
great man employed in preparing for this voyage, 
which he completed in thirty six days, without any 
extraordinary circumstance intervening, excepting 
that the variation of the magnetick needle was, to 
their great surprize, noticed. In all probability, 
we are indebted, for the discovery of America at 
that period, to the firmness of Isabella, Queen of 
Spain, in the support of Columbus. Whilst she 
lived, Columbus had a friend who was ever ready 
to throw her shield before him for his protection, 
and which she was frequently obliged to do. On 
this illustrious woman the Spanish historians delight 
to bestow the highest encomiums. They represent 
her no less eminent for virtue than wisdom ; and 
whether she is considered as a Queen, wife, or 
mother, she is still entitled to the highest praise. — - 
It is painful to reflect on the subsequent misfor- 
tunes of Columbus. His elevation to high rank, 
and the hereditary honours which he obtained front 
the court of Spain, excited envy, and created ene- 
mies, which laid him in chains, and embittered 
the last moments of his life. — It is not rank, it is 
character alone, that interests posterity ; and the 
name of Columbus will command the admiration 
of ages, and probably outlive the power of the king- 

S 


/ 


10 


dom that he aggrandized by his discoveries. Over 
his name oblivion will never throw her mantle.— 
Peace to his manes ! 

As there is no pursuit more delightful than the 
study of history, so there is no history so necessary 
and useful as that of our own country, which may 
be accurately traced, from its first discovery to this 
day, and whatever relates to it may be ascertained 
by the most authentick documents. Not so the 
history of ancient nations, which is so much in- 
volved in fable, that its study yields to the inquiring 
mind but little satisfaction. Its pages are read, but 
read rather to gratify curiosity, than to gain in- 
struction. Indeed, we meet with such extraordi- 
nary events in the annals of mankind, as make us 
frequently doubt the most authentick history. In 
opposition to the above remark, I must except the 
history of the Jews. With respect to the writings 
of the Jews, W akefield observes, that it is altogether 
undeniable, and it is a truth of the utmost weight 
and magnitude, that our accumulated discoveries 
in science and philosophy, and all our progress in 
other parts of knowledge, have not enabled the wisest 
of the moderns to excel the noble sentiments con- 
veyed in the didacticks and the decretional com- 
positions of the Old Testament — compositions, 
many of which existed, without dispute, before the 
earliest writings of heathen antiquity, and at a period, 
when even those illustrious instructers of mankind, 
the Greeks and the Romans, were barbarous and 
unknown. I confess, it would gratify me much, to 
be informed in what manner the contemners of the 




11 


Jews and of the Mosaick system account for this 
singular phenomenon. 

It is to be regretted that historians and travellers 
have not taken the hero of Homer as their model. 
His advice to Ulysses, at the opening of the Odys- 
sey, treasured up and attended to, would give au- 
thenticity to their narrations. 

« Wand’ring from clime to clime, observant stray’d, 

“ Their manners noted, and their states survey’d.” 

Effectively, nothing is more instructive than his- 
tory, if written with useful views, with good sense, 
and mixed with moral reflections given in few 
words, and rising naturally from facts. 

In all ages, mankind have had a great esteem and 
veneration for antiquity. No object operates more 
powerfully on that curiosity which is the great ex- 
citement to knowledge, than antiquities of every 
species. If some have followed this study with too 
much minuteness, or, impelled by an enthusiasm 
naturally growing out of a favourite pursuit, have 
rated antiquities above their just value, their weak- 
ness cannot attaint the good sense of others, nor 
derogate from the advantage of liberal and rational 
inquiries. By the study of antiquity, history is 
frequently explained, and sometimes corrected. 
Facts and manners are rendered more distinct, and 
their impressions become infinitely stronger and 
more lasting. Yet we must consider Antiquarian- 
ism as the younger sister of History, less sedate and 
more fanciful, and apt to be enamoured of the face 


of Time, by looking so frequently upon it. But 
let not that be the conduct of her more sober disci- 
ples. Let not the sensible antiquary disgrace him- 
self and his profession, by admiring greatly, and 
applauding fondly, what is only antient. The pen- 
cil of age may justly be allowed to throw a shade of 
respectability, and to diffuse an air of venerableness 
over the productions of very antient art. And we 

may appeal to the native feelings of every intelli- 

* 

gent beholder for the truth of this observation. 
But this is all that can be allowed to the mere in- 
fluence of time ; and the antiquary that once over- 
steps this reasonable limit, sacrifices the dignity of 
sentiment to the dreams of antiquarianism, and 
gives up the realities of history to the fable of im- 
agination. But we ought not, from the abuse of a 
science, to be induced to neglect its application to ra- 
tional and useful purposes ; and that such purposes 
may be accomplished by the study of antiquities, is 
sufficiently evinced by the valuable information 
which has been drawn from this source, respecting 
the history, laws, religion, manners and literature 
of a great number of antient nations. This study 
includes a vast variety of important particulars, too 
numerous to be mentioned on this occasion ; al- 
though it is to be regretted, that on many branches 
of inquiry which come within the province of the 
antiquary, he must content himself with conjecture 
and hypothesis, instead of the certain testimony of 
fact. Competent and credible evidence ought, 
therefore, to be insisted on by every student of an- 
tiquity, and his vigilance against deception should 
be constant and unremitted. 


13 


The study of antiquity will ever rank amongst the 
higher pleasures of human life, and its real votaries 
amongst the most happy of intellectual beings. 
Fortunately, this is one of those few pursuits, in 
which delight and instruction are most happily 
united. No study affords a more ample store of 
varied information and liberal knowledge ; and its 
resources may be said with propriety to be inex- 
haustible. The interesting objects which open to 
the view of the antiquary, replenish his mind with 
new ideas ; and such pursuits make life pass as 
pleasantly as the uncertainty of human events al- 
lows to man. In tracing the productions of nature, 
and the origin and refinement of art, the antiquary 
enjoys the highest pleasure, and is never wearied in 
exploring the “ days of other years,” over which 
fancy delights to hover. Who can possess the fac- 
ulty of thinking, and not wish to know the origin 
and the end of this world ? 

Permit me to notice our ancestors. Persecuted 
at home, they sought and obtained protection in the 
United Provinces. Yet the love of country was so 
strong, that they preferred being under the govern- 
ment of England ; and, therefore, those of them 
who did not emigrate to this country, returned to 
Plymouth, one hundred and twenty eight years 
after the discovery of America. When we speak 
of our ancestors, we need not blush. Indeed, I 
feel an honest pride in thinking of them. Many of 
them were respectable in point of property, many 
wejl educated, indeed learned, and all of them pious 
and exemplary. At the time of the emigration of 


14 


our forefathers, bigotry and blind zeal prevailed 
amongst Christians of every sect and persuasion. 
Each denied to the other liberty of conscience, 
which all had a right to enjoy. To this we must 
ascribe the settlement and the present flourishing 
state of New England. That our ancestors were 
superstitious, I can easily believe ; but that they, 
after having so severely suffered under persecution, 
should themselves become vindictive and zealous 
persecutors of the Quakers and other sectaries, can 
scarcely be credited. Yet such was the fact, and 
so says the record. This example teaches us how 
far a religious zeal, which covers the greatest crimes 
with the sacred name of divinity, is capable of mis- 
leading the mind of man. There is an observation 
of the justly celebrated author of the ‘Spirit of 
Laws,’ which is very applicable to our ancestors. 
He says, “It is a principle, that every religion 
which is persecuted, becomes itself persecuting ; 
for as soon as, by some accidental turn, it arises 
from persecution, it attacks the religion which per- 
secuted it.”* Of the truth of the above observa- 
tion the page of history furnishes many melancholy 
proofs. But, who is perfect ? Man is invariably 
the same, although his genius and faculties are di- 
versified with infinite shades. The same passions 
now actuate him, by which he has been distinguish- 
ed from his creation, and these passions are com- 

* I was reminded, since the delivery of this Address, by a 
distinguished antiquary, that William Penn and Roger 
Williams ought to be considered as exceptions to this re* 
mark. 


I 


IS 


mon to him, in all stages of society. They have 
caused the human heart to throb alike, under the steel 
corselet of the fifteenth century, the brocaded coat 
of the eighteenth, and the lighter habiliments of the 
present day. The only essential difference between 
the antient and the modern man is, that education, 
and the benign influence of the Christian religion, 
have enabled the latter more effectually to discipline 
his passions ; and individuals at this time feel them- 
selves in a higher degree responsible to society 
than formerly, for their orderly behaviour. Ex- 
cuse this digression. I now return to notice our 
ancestors. 

The hand of God seems to have been most won- 
derfully displayed, in preparing the way for the es- 
tablishment of an European colony in this part of 
North America. At the time our English ances- 
tors arrived, the Indian tribes on the seacoast had 
been greatly thinned by a fatal epidemick, and the 
fierce spirit of the survivors seems to have been re- 
strained by its pestilential influence on the animal 
system. From this cause, the new colony in a less 
degree awakened the jealousy of the original inhab- 
itants. The settlement, no doubt, was facilitated 
in consequence of this destructive sickness ; for it is 
certain no opposition was made to the landing of 
the Pilgrims from Holland. On the contrary, the 
Indians readily reciprocated the friendly offers made 
them by the white men. They imparted to them 
the knowledge they possessed in the culture of 
their corn, and the simple means they used to sus- 
tain life ; gave them a part of their scanty allow- 


16 


ance of provisions ; bartered with them furs for 
their European goods 5 and sold them lands for a 
possession. Had a single tribe viewed, at first, 
their European visitors as invaders of their country, 
and entertained jealousies of their increasing num- 
bers, influence and power, they might, and proba- 
bly would, have exterminated them on their first 
landing. But jealousies of this nature did not pre- 
vail amongst the Indians in any very dangerous 
form, until the colony had gained strength, and 
were able to divert the machinations, or repel the 
efforts of the savages for their destruction. And 
when a confederacy of the Indian tribes was formed, 
which appeared to threaten the very existence of 
the infant colony, the arm of God was their shield. 
At the expense of many lives, they broke the plans 
of their enemy, defeated them in their most secure 
haunts, and drove those that escaped the slaughter 
of the battle, spiritless from the land of their fath* 
ers. Their persons now appear not, their names 
are not spoken in the land which they once claimed 
as their inheritance, and probably no individual can. 
now be found who understands the Indian idiom, 
in which our apostle Eliot translated the Bible. 
Yet few, very few, says Charlevoix, comparatively 
speaking, perished by war ; but they have wasted, 
they have mouldered away, they have disappeared. 

Whilst the retrospection of the interesting events 
which took place amongst the early settlers of this 
country, teaches us to look with veneration on the 
wonders which God did for their protection, we 
must commiserate the sufferings, and the extinc- 


17 


don almost, of the Indian nations through an im- 
mense extent of country. It is true these nations 
were savages ; they were destitute of industry and 
providence ; but they were patient under the se- 
verest privations, and bore, occasionally, with forti- 
tude the greatest fatigue. They possessed not the 
comforts of improved society ; at the same time, 
the evils of luxury and habitual intemperance were 
unknown to them. To quarrels respecting prop- 
erty, they were strangers* The God of Nature 
had stocked the forest with animals, and filled the 
lakes and streams with fish ; these were the prop- 
erty of all. Upon the banks of rivers, and on the 
shores of the sea, they erected their temporary shel- 
ters, and partook of the blessing of the Parent of 
Nature. They were content with their mode of 
life ; they coveted no better. They were ignorant 
of many of the sublime doctrines of religion ; but 
they had some apprehension of the Great Spirit, 
and they paid their adoration to him, by such sacri- 
fices as they thought would be acceptable. Their 
passions were not disciplined by the precepts of re- 
ligion, nor regulated by the laws of a well ordered 
society. An enemy they condemned to torture ; 
with a friend and a stranger, they were ready to di- 
vide their last morsel. Such was the race of men 
that inhabited this land, when it was discovered by 
the European adventurers ; and in them we have a 
perfect picture of savage life. The character of the 
Indians seems to have been well understood by our 
ancestors, who noticed that they possessed ex- 
traordinary valour, but without conduct ; and the 

o 

O 


18 


love of freedom, without the spirit of union. They 
knew not the modes and habits that prevailed in the 
Old World, and they did not generally foresee the 
consequence of the settlement of white people 
amongst them. Instead, therefore, of uniting to 
repel or destroy the new colony, they rather aided, 
as we have seen, their settlement. But one 
amongst them arose, who had discernment to 
comprehend the interest of his nation, and to 
predict danger from the permanent establishment 
of foreigners. Perhaps those who handed down to 
us the history of King Philip’s War, bore a part in 
its terrours, its dangers, or losses ; every thing, 
therefore, which reaches us respecting him, passes 
through the medium of prejudice. But could we 
survey the actions of King Philip with the eye of 
impartiality, his character would excite our venera- 
tion, and his misfortunes call forth our commisera- 
tion. Philip, with the penetration of a statesman, 
saw the fatal policy of one individual tribe inviting 
the aid of the white men to conquer another, and 
predicted the successive ruin of the whole. With 
the feelings of a patriot, he adopted measures to 
drive from his country the common enemy ; and 
with the resolution of a hero, he attempted their ex- 
ecution. By his lively representations, he formed 
distant and unfriendly tribes into an alliance, and 
made them parties in a war of extermination. 
Bloody, and for a long time doubtful, was the con- 
test which ensued ; but the whites ultimately pre- 
vailed. The patriot and the hero fell, and with 
him expired the hope of his country.— Thus, whilst 


19 


we are filled with admiration at the rapid growth oi 
our country and the many improvements of our 
people, we cannot but mourn at the recollection 
that these are founded upon the ruin of another, u 
which had a prior and a more natural right to the 
soil. 

May the blessing of God descend, and rest upon 
the Indian nations which yet exist within the limits 
of the United States ! May he succeed the lauda- 
ble attempts which are made to bring them within 
the pale of civilized life, and give them the comforts 
of improved society. May their minds be imbued 
with the mild and peaceable spirit of the Gospel ; 
and, under the influence of Christianity, may their 
hearts be softened and purified. 

The zeal and courage by which our ancestors 
were animated, and the constancy with which they 
pursued their plan of emigrating to America, that 
they might here enjoy liberty of conscience and the 
blessing of freemen, is truly wonderful. And it is 
impossible, when we reflect, not to applaud the res- 
olution with which it was executed. Represent to 
your imagination the feelings of those individuals, 
who were struggling with the affection which they 
bore to their friends and their native country, and 
with the desire to remove to far distant shores, that 
in solitude they might enjoy religious freedom, 
which was so unjustifiably denied them at home. 
Bound by a thousand ties to the spot in which they 
first drew their breath, attached to the place of their 
residence by the endearing connexions of relations 
and friends, by worldly case and competency, how 


20 


strong must have been the motives which could 
have overpowered these affections- — how urgent the 
causes which prevailed on the minds of these fami- 
lies, and induced them to break asunder their ties, 
to embark on an almost untried ocean, and to settle 
in a wilderness, where they were exposed to the 
fierceness of savage tribes, the rage of wild beasts, 
and the innumerable hardships of a new world ! 
In all these trying scenes, our fathers trusted in 
God ! His arm protected them amidst the perils of 
the ocean and the hazards of the wilderness. 

The hardships and sufferings of the first settlers 
proved fatal to many of the Plymouth band ; yet 
the survivors were strengthened by the arrival of 
new settlers. As the same cause which led to em- 
igration continued to operate in England, fresh 
numbers were arriving every year, and multitudes, 
driven by oppression, found safety and protection 
in America. 

Soon after, Massachusetts, and various other col- 
onies, were established. The foundation of the col- 
ony of Massachusetts was laid in the year 1628. 
From that period to 1637, twenty one thousand 
two hundred men, women and children arrived as 
passengers in New England. In all probability, 
the population would have been greater, if the En- 
glish government had not interposed its authority 
to prevent further emigration. “ The wilderness 
and solitary places were made glad for them, and 
the desert blossomed as a rose.” “ A little one has 
become a thousand, a small one a great Nation.” 


21 


In the year 1745, a remarkable interposition of 
Providence took place in favour of our country ; a 
year in which the military spirit of New England 
was most successfully displayed, by the conquest of 
Louisbourgh, in conjunction with a fleet of British 
ships. England and Prance being at war, the Gen- 
eral Court of Massachusetts, by a majority of one 
vote, resolved to attempt its conquest. Louis- 
bourgh was a strong town on the Island of Cape 
Breton, which the French had been more than 
twenty years fortifying ; and it had cost the crown 
of France more than six millions of dollars. This 
fortress, for its strength, was called the Gibraltar of 
America ; in six weeks it surrendered to the forces 
of New England. When the troops entered the 
town, and examined its strength, they were sur- 
prized at their own prowess ; and the inhabitants of 
our country with grateful hearts acknowledged the 
good providence of God, in the preservation of 
their army and the wonderful success of their arms. 
Sir William Pepperell, who was the com- 
mander in chief, says, in his letter to Governour 
Shirley, “The Almighty of a truth has been 
with us.” 

It has been generally considered, that the jealousy 
of the parent state was excited by this brilliant 
achievement. 

The French government, after the capture of 
Louisbourgh, became greatly alarmed for their col- 
onies which bordered on New England. There- 
fore, in the next year, 1746, they fitted out a most 


i 


» 


22 

formidable armament, consisting of twenty ships 
of war, and more than 100 transports, filled, it is re- 
ported, with 10,000 disciplined troops, with a pro- 
fusion of every kind of military store. The con- 
quest of New England was the open and avowed 
object of this expedition. When the news arrived 
that this armament was approaching our coast, and 
that a British force for our protection was not ex- 
pected, fear and consternation pervaded our land. 
The country possessed not adequate means of de- 
fence against the assault of such a force. In this 
case the protecting hand of God saved them. Ere 
the enemy reached the American seas, the French 
fleet was visited by a fatal sickness. Thousands of 
their men died, and the survivors became weak and 
spiritless. In this enfeebled state, the armament 
was overtaken by a most violent storm, and in the 
tempest was dispersed, and in consequence the ex- 
pedition was totally defeated. The commander in 
chief died through vexation, or by poison adminis- 
tered by his own hand, and the second in command 
threw himself on his sword. In a shattered and 
dispersed condition the remaining armament re- 
turned to the French ports, and the English colo- 
nies were relieved from their apprehensions. 

Never, observes the late Dr. Belknap, never was 
the hand of Providence more visible, than on this 
occasion. Never was a disappointment more se- 
vere on the side of an enemy, or a deliverance more 
complete without human aid, in favour of any coun- 
try. Need I recount the favour of God to our 
country in their subsequent conflicts with the 


23 


French and Indian nations ? These are more than 
can be numbered. 

Less necessary is it to place before you the many 
signal favours during the revolutionary war with 
Great Britain. Baffled and discouraged in her 
scheme of subjugation, she proffered, and we ac- 
cepted, the rich blessings of peace on the basis of 
national independence. Y oil well remember, or your 
fathers have told you of the names, the trials, and the 
sufferings of those days, and the joys, the congratu- 
lations, and the devout gratitude, with which peace 
was received. The Lord of Hosts, who has so oft- 
en appeared for the salvation of our country, lives, 
and is the same to-day, yesterday, and forever. 
The superintendence which he exerted over our 
fathers, is extended to us. Let us be attentive to 
the duties required of us, and then may we expect 
his protection. Let us call into remembrance, fre- 
quently, past times and events. Let us study the 
character of our American ancestors, and we shall 
find, that piety and patriotism, righteousness and 
sobriety, were the peculiar qualifications which 
rendered them the object of divine favour and pro- 
tection. 

“ Remember the days of old ; consider the years 
of many generations ; ask thy father, and he will 
shew thee ; thy elders, and they will tell thee.” 

“ Though thy beginning was small, thy latter 
end should greatly increase.” 

“ For inquire, I pray thee, of the former age, and 
prepare thyself to the search of their fathers.” 


24 


“ For we are but of yesterday, and know noth- 
ing, because our days upon earth are a shadow.” 

“ Shall not they teach thee, and tell thee, and ut- 
ter words out of their heart ?” 

Gentlemen of the Antient and Honourable 
Artillery Company /* 

AS an individual, (and I ain positive I speak the 
sentiments of the Society) lam very much gratified 
by the honour you have done us, in meeting on 
this occasion. This event is peculiarly interesting 
to every American. Your corps is the oldest in 
America, and it this dav unites with the first and 
the only incorporated Antiquarian Society on the 
continent, in celebrating the day on which our be- 
loved country was discovered. 

A most unequivocal evidence of your usefulness, 
and of the honourable principles by which your 
corps has been conducted, is, that it has existed one 
hundred and seventy seven years, I find, however, 
that it has been twice interrupted in its regular annual . 
meeting. The first was from 1686 to 1691, dur- 
ing the administration of Sir Edmund Andross; 
and again, during the revolutionary war, from 1774 
to 1786. Although many very important events 
have taken place in our country since the estab- 
lishment of your corps, yet that has remained much 
the same. The motive for raising it was judicious, 
laudable and political. Our ancestors, with a fore- 

* On this day, the Society was honoured by the attendance 
of the Antient and Honourable Artillery Company, who led 
the procession. 


• 25 

sight that invariably marked their conduct, early no- 
ticed the necessity of establishing a reputable military 
corps, to keep alive the knowledge possessed by ma- 
ny of the early emigrants. This gave rise to your 
company, which has given to our country many val- 
uable and distinguished officers. Its reputation to 
this day has remained unsullied. Its ranks have 
been filled by citizens of respectability. It has ev- 
er been considered as an excellent military school, 
in which its members are perfected in tacticks and 
correct discipline. 

To belong to a corps thus distinguished, must 
be highly reputable to the man and to the soldier. 
I have some pride and great satisfaction in saying, 
that my grandfather, who resided at Worcester, had 
the honour to command the Antient and Honoura- 
ble Artillery Company in the year 1736. To pre- 
serve and protect its honours, must excite the am- 
bition and vigilance of the individuals which com- 
pose it. To hand down its character and its rights 
unimpaired, must be the wish of all. To you. 
Gentlemen, are committed all its honours, its rights 
and privileges ; and no doubt can be entertained of 
your wisdom to preserve, and your skill to protect 
them, for the benefit of your successors. 

Long may your corps continue to be the orna- 
ment and the pride of our country ; and may our 
government be able to say, that so long as it exists, 
we can never want officers to head our armies, or 
men able and willing to repel invasion, execute the 
laws, and maintain publick order. 


FINIS . 


•V 


OFFICERS 


OF THE 

AMERICAN ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY, 

Elected October 23, 1815, for the Year ensuing* 

«fr «as— 

PE ESIDENT. 

ISAIAH THOMAS, Esq. of Worcestex*. 

Vice Presidents. 

William D. Peck, Profes. Univers. Cambridge. 
W illx am Paine, M. D. Worcester, 

COUNSELLORS. 

Massachusetts.— Hon. Timothy Bigelow, Medford ; Rev, 
Aaron Bancroft, D. D. Worcester ; Hon. Edward Bangs, 
Worcester; Rev. William Bentley, Salem ; Dr. Redford 
Webster, Boston ; Benjamin Russell, Esq, do. ; Samuel J. 
Prescott, Esq. do. ; Hon. Oliver Fiske, Hon. Nathaniel 
Paine, Hon. William Stedman, Worcester ; Hon. Kilborn 
Whitman, Pembroke, [for the Old Colony] ; Hon. George 
Thacher, Biddeford, [for the District of Maine.] 

New Haw-p-shire . — Nathaniel Adams, Esq. Portsmouth. 
Rhode Island . — Pardon Bowen, M. D. Providence, 
Connecticut.— Hon. David Humphreys, L. L. D. Hum- 
phreysville. 

Vermont .— Hon. Elijah Paine, L.L. D. Williamstown. 

New York. — Hon. De Witt Clinton, L. L. D. New-York, 

Pennsylvania . — Charles Caldwell, M. D. Philadelphia ; 
Rev. Timothy Alden, District West of the Alleghany. 

New Jersey . — Rev. Samuel Miller, D. D. Princeton. 


27 


Maryland.— Hon. Charles Goldsborough, Annapolis*' 

Virginia. — George W. P. Custis, Arlington. 

North Carolina . — Col. Benjamin Hawkins. 

South Carolina. — Hon. Langdon Cheeves, Charleston. 

Tennessee.— Moses Fiske, Esq. 

Ohio. — Jacob Burnett, Esq. 

Louisiana . — Hon. Elgius Fromentin, New Orleans. 

Michigan Territory.— Hon. Winthrop Sargent, Natchez* 

RECORDING SECRETARY. 

Rejoice Newton, Esq. Worcester* 

ASSISTANT RECORDING SECRETARY. 

Mr, Nathaniel Greenwood Snelling, Boston. 

CORRESPONDING SECRETARIES. 

Rev. Thaddeus M. Harris, D. D. Dorchester ; Rev. Wil- 
liam Jenks, Prof. Bowdoin College ; Samuel M. Burnside, 
Esq. Worcester. 

TREASURER. 

Mr. Isaiah Thomas, jun. Boston. 

LIBRARIAN AND CABINET KEEPER. 

Mr. Samuel Jennison, jun. Worcester. 

RECEIVING OFFICERS. 

Mr. Isaiah Thomas, jun. Boston ; William Wilkinson, 
Esq. Providence , R. I. ; John W. Francis, M. D. New 
York ; Matthew Carey, Esq. Philadelphia. [Others to be 
appointed.] 

COMMITTEE FOR PUBLISHING. 

# 

Rev. Aaron Bancroft, D. D. ; Rev. William Bentley i 
William Paine, M. D. 

COMMITTEE OF WAYS AND MEANS. 

William Paine, M. D. ; Samuel J. Prescott, Esq,; Ben- 
jamin Russell, Esq, ; Rev. William Bentley ; Hon. Edward 
Bangs. 


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